Points shared between Tigers and Manly
The action kicked off in the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition with the match of the round on Saturday night as the Northern Tigers and Manly United shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
Ellie Head opened the scoring for the home side in the second half after a scoreless first period. Manly responded shortly after going behind, Brinley Gentle on the scoresheet to equalise in what would end up being the final goal of the game.
These two met only days earlier in the Sapphire Cup semi finals where Manly came away with a 2-0 win and secured their spot in the final.
Points were of great importance with a win for either keeping their slim finals hopes alive.
Manly threatened first through Sienna Dale bursting into the box, the Tigers reacting well to clear a scramble after a cut back.
The visitors continued their pressure, Sarah Whelan delivering a cross into the area that neither Brinley Gentle or Dale could convert.
Lily McMahon had a half chance for the Tigers with a header, the ball looping over the cross bar.
Ruby Jackson then took a fierce shot from outside the area, the ball falling into the hands of Annalee Grove.
As half time approached, Beth Gordon took a free kick just outside the area, Jodi Drever making a comfortable save.
United came out strong in the second half but could not turn the early pressure into a goal, Whelan’s shot saved by Grove.
Manly’s high press then forced an error from the Tigers defence, Chloe O’Brien not taking advantage of an excellent opportunity.
But for all that pressure, it would be the home team to strike first in the 55th minute.
Ellie Head and Tanaye Morris combining on the edge of the area, the later playing a perfect through ball for the striker who made no mistake with the finish, placing the ball beyond Drever and into the back of the net.
Almost immediately though, Manly hit back. A corner wasn’t dealt with by the Tigers, Jackson firing toward goal, her shot falling to the feet of Binley Gentle who on the turn Buried her shot passed Grove to make it 1-1.
It was Manly’s turn next not to deal with a set piece, Gordon profiting but unable to lob the ball over Drever who did enough to save.
The in form Ellie Kerr then almost found a late winner, her chipped effort falling at the back post inches away from Emily Minett.
Manly had one final chance in stoppage time, Kayla Osborn unmarked after a short corner saw her shot go just wide of Grove’s goal.
The home side also got a late chance of their own, seven minutes into stoppage time but Drever made a fine low save after McMahon’s left footed effort.
Match Stats
Northern Tigers: 1 (Head 55’)
Manly Untied: 1 (Gentle 57’)
Saturday, 20 June 2026
NTRA
Northern Tigers: 44. Grove, 2. Wilson, 4. Keech, 8. Grass, 9. Head, 10. Mortlock, 11. McMahon, 18. Kraszula, 19. Douglas, 23. Morris, 32. Gordon.
Substitutes: 6. Evans, 12. Cartwright, 14. Bernardi, 15. Ewin, 17. Walandouw, 40. Witham, 99. Riddel.
Yellow Cards: McMahon, Grass, Douglas, Gordon
Red Cards: Nil
Manly United: 1. Drever, 2. Gilbane, 3. Arnold, 6. Jackson, 7. O’Brien, 11. Richards, 12. Gentle,15. Roberts, 26. Whelan, 37. Osborn, 38. Dale.
Substitutes: 4. Bates, 9. Minett, 19. Smit, 20. Kerr, 21. Horsley, 31. McCredie.
Yellow Cards: Gilbane, Smit
Red Cards: Nil
-By Nikola Pozder
